As a beauty editor, I’m always looking for ways to do more for my skin. While I’m well-versed in topical skincare, I’ve long believed that true wellness, and by extension, great skin, comes from the inside out.
Enter collagen: the buzzy supplement that is so hard to get right. There’s no shortage of collagen powders, gummies and tablets on the market, but the quality varies wildly. That’s why I’ve only ever prioritised those backed by clear clinical data. And after years of trial and error, I’ve landed on my holy grail: Vida Glow’s Pro Collagen+—it’s the only collagen product where I’ve seen real-life results in my skin in a matter of weeks.
So why is collagen so important for skin health? It’s a structural protein that acts as the body’s “scaffolding”, keeping the skin plump, hydrated and firm, while cushioning joints and strengthening bones, muscles and connective tissue.
This becomes more important when, like me, you enter your 30’s. By your mid-20’s, natural collagen production begins to decline by roughly one per cent each year. By 30, many people begin to notice fine lines and reduced elasticity, and this process accelerates after menopause, with up to 30 per cent lost within the first five years. But don’t be alarmed, there are ways to support this loss, and recent technological advancements have come on leaps and bounds.
I was recommended Vida Glow’s Pro Collagen+ by several colleagues, but it’s the science behind it that really caught my attention. The formula uses fast-acting marine collagen tripeptides, a very specific type of peptide composed of just three amino acids in a precise sequence. And because they’re in their most refined and bioavailable form, and enhanced by added digestive enzymes, they’re much easier for your body to absorb, meaning they work quicker too.
From a skin perspective, the results are compelling. Clinical studies* found a 42 per cent reduction in wrinkle count in just 21 days, alongside an 82 per cent reduction in forehead wrinkles after six weeks. It’s also enhanced with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for an added kick of hydration and moisture retention.
For my part, after trialling the powder for four weeks, I noticed that my skin looked visibly plumper, and that the fine lines around my eyes looked less noticeable. I’m excited to see how the results develop long-term.
But no matter how good a formula is, I need it to integrate into even the busiest of days. I’m pretty picky when it comes to supplements; I don’t want to compromise on taste, and ease really matters to me. Unlike other thick, chalky collagen powders I’ve used, this is genuinely tasteless, and can be stirred into coffee, smoothies or even water. It makes consistency feel effortless, and that's really the key to seeing results with collagen.
*2.5g tripeptide clinical study 2024. Publication under progress.
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Nessa Humayun is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over eight years of editorial experience across lifestyle sectors, Nessa was previously the Editorial Lead of HUNGER Magazine, and has bylines in British Vogue, Dazed, and Cosmopolitan. A self-confessed human guinea pig, Nessa covers everything from product must-haves to long-reads about the industry writ large. Her beauty ethos is all about using products that work hard, so you don't have to.
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